Attorney General Retreats from Craigslist Suit

Hours after Craigslist filed a lawsuit against South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster in South Carolina's federal court, McMaster issues a statement that suggests his office will back down from its threats of criminal prosecution. Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster has been vigorous in defending his site against allegations that it serves as a front for prostitution.

Hours after Craigslist announced it would file a lawsuit against South
Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster in that state's federal court,
McMaster issued a statement that appears to be a retreat.
The Craigslist lawsuit, according to a corporate blog
post by Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster, asked for declaratory relief and a
restraining order "with respect to criminal charges [McMaster] has
repeatedly threatened against Craigslist and its executives."

In a statement issued through his office May 20, McMaster suggested that
Craigslist's lawsuit was "good news" that showed the site was
"taking the matter seriously for the first time."

The statement continued, "They are now taking responsibility for the
content of their future advertisements. If they keep their word, this is a
victory for law enforcement and for the people of South
Carolina."
In addition, McMaster appeared to back off his previous threats of criminal
prosecution.
"Unfortunately, we had to inform them of possible state criminal
violations concerning their past practices to produce a serious response,"
the statement concluded. "We trust they will now adhere to the higher
standards they have promised. This office and the law enforcement agencies of South
Carolina will continue to monitor the site to make
certain that our laws are respected."

Nicholas Kolakowski is a staff editor at eWEEK, covering Microsoft and other companies in the enterprise space, as well as evolving technology such as tablet PCs. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, Playboy, WebMD, AARP the Magazine, AutoWeek, Washington City Paper, Trader Monthly, and Private Air. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.